InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Kurayami no Naka de Hikari ❯ Dreams... ( Chapter 4 )

Kurayami no Naka de Hikari

Notes: I wanted to have this out earlier, but I've been SO busy at work I wasn't mentally prepared to do any writing. To those that don't know, I'm a Visual Developer (a front-end website developer) and the job can be VERY demanding and time-consuming. I actually did a 12 hour day in the office yesterday to try to finish 2 websites up for a deadline (we're short-staffed on the front-end area and creative keeps taking too long on the design phase so it cuts into development time). Anyway, since this is the field I know, it made its way into this story. It's always easier to write about personal knowledge/experience than researching and making mistakes so yes, I draw on things I know in my personal life in my writing. I hope I kept the characters true to themselves, I kind of made Inuyasha's mom a bit goofy and silly at times since we don't really know her personality. I tried to keep everyone else as in character as possible, sorry if I didn't succeed! Responses to reviews will now appear at the bottom.

This story is AU, I'll try to keep them in character as best as I can. It takes place in the modern era but there are youkai in it. Humans and youkai live in peace for the most part. It takes place when Kagome is a bit older, early to mid-twenties and Kagome is in college (university).

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any of the characters thereof. Even though that is the case, please don't steal my plot, concept, or story out of respect for my creative endeavor as I would not do this to anyone out there.

- l - l - l - Change of scene, time, etc.
'Thoughts/dreams' will be in single quotes (IE: ' ')

Warning! The M rating is coming into play this chapter! If you're uncomfortable with the thought of rape or forced sexual acts, I suggest you skip the end when she comes home from school! Read at your own risk!!

Chapter 4 –Dreams…

Inuyasha sighed and leaned back into the squishy chair.  It seemed like most of the time he spent around the girl had entailed her sleeping, or passed out, and him sitting in a chair twiddling his thumbs as he waited for her to wake up.  Sango had said it was just anemia and had tossed him a bottle of iron pills from her purse.  Apparently, it was common for Kagome's age and weight to be anemic.

It wasn't too bad, though.  She'd been sleeping for about an hour in one of the hundreds of guest rooms and at least Inuyasha didn't have to go down and socialize right away.  Since his mother knew he was bringing someone, she had invited everyone out this Sunday.  He didn't feel like being around his brother and his little imp of a friend, Jaken.  Hell, that little midget was a servant, not a friend.  Not to mention, his father had asked a few people to come out from work so Kagura and her little sister Kanna were over as well.  Inuyasha had never been a fan of Kagura and her sister gave him the creeps.  She was devoid of everything, color, aura, scent, feeling, and personality.  And what was up with that damn mirror she carried everywhere?!

Inuyasha heard the rustle of blankets as Kagome started to stir in her sleep.  Her breathing hitched as she began to toss and turn.  Anxiety tinged her scent as she fought the blankets, as if she were having a nightmare.  'Is it really a nightmare during the day?' Inuyasha silently mused as he rose from the chair and crouched next to the bed and looked down into Kagome's sleeping face.  Her eyebrows were knit and she seemed to be sweating slightly, a soft gleam to her skin.  He breathed in her scent and let out a sigh of contentment before he reached down and began to rub her cheek soothingly.  She shied from his touch at first, then as her body relaxed she leaned into the gentle caress, seeming to accept the soothing he offered willingly.  Inuyasha couldn't help the small smile that touched his lips as her expression relaxed and she reached her arms toward him.

Inuyasha took her reaching fingers as permission and climbed into the bed next to her, lying on top of the covers while she was underneath.  The last thing he wanted was to make her angry again by stepping over the boundaries that friends shared.  He was already skirting that line closely by lying in the bed with her.  He was surprised when he felt her press herself firmly against his chest and threads her fingers through his hair.  'She's so fragile...' He thought to himself as he hesitantly gathered her into his arms and put his chin on the top of her head.

He couldn't contain himself any longer and ran his fingers through her silky, raven hair.  It was softer than he had imagined and smelled sweet and tangy from her shampoo.  He breathed in deeply, noting the smell of coconut, oranges, and a floral scent he couldn't identify, which failed to hide the sweet scent that was just her.  She could go without any of those scented soaps and body sprays and he would still drink in her scent and come back for more.  Without thought, Inuyasha pulled back and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before burying his face in the crook of her neck.

- l - l - l -

Kagome was sitting on the couch in her living room, hardly listening to the news as she poured over her homework.  Papers and books were strewn on the couch and floor surrounding her as she leafed through a reference book, a pencil tucked carefully behind her ear.  She was so absorbed, she didn't hear to front door open.  Nor did she hear the footsteps entering the room.  She glanced up after a moment and chocolate brown met bright red eyes as Naraku approached her with his hand behind his back.  There was a sinister smirk on his face as he slowly approached her.  She felt her happy smile falter and slide from her lips at the evil glint in his eyes.

"Where were you, Naraku-chan?" Kagome asked nervously as she laid her open book on the floor by her feet.  She hastily began clearing some of the clutter away before Naraku said anything.  They had gotten into an argument once because she hadn't moved her materials for him to sit so she didn't want to revisit that.  If he had to tell her something twice, it was a very harsh reminder and she normally ended up balled up sobbing on the floor before he was done.

"I went to visit a few of your friends." He said in a maliciously low voice.  He still had his hand behind his back and Kagome felt a strange sense of foreboding grip her insides.  She kept a nervous eye on as he sauntered closer to her, his smirk growing with each step.  Her back pressed into the soft pillow behind her as she shrank back from his look.

"W... What friends?" Kagome asked nervously as she tried to force a smile to her lips.  She watched in horror as he took his hand from behind his back and dropped something on the floor; it was mysteriously stained with a dark red, slightly congealed liquid.  Her breath caught in her throat as her brain processed what she was seeing.  Lying in a bloody pile on the beige carpet were a stethoscope, an earring that looked suspiciously familiar, and a pair of blood soaked, furry ears.  She heard her scream loud in her ears before she felt it in her throat.

"Ho... how COULD you?!" Kagome screamed as she felt tears sting her eyes as she jumped to her feet.  She took a step back from the tall, sinister hanyou in front of her, searching desperately to find an escape.  She slipped around the couch and headed further into the apartment, unable to get to the only door that Naraku was blocking.

"I did it for you, koibito." Naraku said as he licked blood from one long finger.  "You are mine; I won't allow anyone to take you from me."  Kagome felt her chest constrict in fear as she backed up into the study, grabbing onto the computer chair that bumped into the back of her knees.  'If I can reach the bedroom, I can jump out of the back window and get away.' Kagome thought wildly as she came up with a quick plan.

"No one would take me away, Naraku." Kagome said nervously as she neared the bedroom, pushing the chair behind her.  "I love you!"  With her yell, Kagome flung the chair in front of her as hard as she could and dove into the bedroom, pulling the door closed and locking it in one motion.

"Kagome!" Naraku roared as a loud noise hitting the door met her ears.  Kagome grabbed the lamp off the nightstand and threw it through the window; he'd be through that door in a second so she couldn't mess around with opening it.  As she was attempting to climb through the window, she felt someone grab her roughly from behind and spin her around.

Kagome screamed in surprise as she was flung onto the bed, her wrists pinned painfully above her head.  Tears poured down her cheeks as she struggled to free herself.

"You gave me no choice, koibito." Naraku said as he stared maliciously down at her.  Kagome felt his lips capture hers in a forceful kiss and fought to break free.  With a strangled yell, Kagome bit down on his bottom lip and could instantly taste the bitterness of his blood.  Naraku snarled and smacked her across the face before he wrapped his hands around her slim throat.

"If I can't have you to myself, no one can." He said coldly as he pressed his thumbs in harder.  Kagome fought, but he was too strong.  Her scratches, pinches, and punches didn't even faze him.  Just as she was about to lose consciousness, a silver blur kicked the door in and Naraku was instantly off of her.

"Kagome!" The familiar voice of Inuyasha filled her ears as she was suddenly surrounded with overwhelming warmth.  When Kagome opened her eyes, she was staring right into a pair of concerned, burnished gold eyes.  She couldn't help the breath that caught in her throat as she took in the unusual color.

"I told you I'd protect you." Inuyasha said softly as he ran a clawed hand gently through her dark tresses.  Kagome felt a chill run down her spine and launched herself into his arms, burying her face in his muscular chest.  She clutched the fabric of his shirt and breathed in his husky scent.  Kagome felt content to lie against his chest as he gently ran his fingers through her raven hair.

- l - l - l -

Kagome slowly opened her eyes, the horrible nightmare still fresh in her mind.  The feeling of warmth didn't dissipate upon waking and she immediately knew why.  She blushed as she stared into the sleeping face of Inuyasha.  She watched as one ear twitched slightly and felt as his arms tightened around her.  Kagome knew she should push the hanyou away since she already had a boyfriend but the kindness he had showed her wouldn't allow her to wake him.  Besides, she REALLY wanted to touch his ears and this might be her golden opportunity to do so!

Kagome stealthy managed to wriggle an arm free from his tight embrace and, face flushed, reach up and gently stroke one of his ears.  Kagome grinned in satisfaction as she discovered she was correct.  'His ears ARE super soft!' She thought to herself as she rubbed a little more vigorously.  She was startled when a low noise sounded in Inuyasha's throat that she first thought was a growl.  It was different, though... almost a combination of a growl and a whimper that was easily distinguishable as a sound of pleasure.  She glanced down at his face and saw he was still sound asleep.

Feeling a little more daring, Kagome managed to free her other hand from his sleeping embrace and immediately repeated her ministrations on his other ear.  She stifled a giggle as he pushed his head against her hand, obviously encouraging her to continue.  Kagome never knew how many dog characteristics Inuyasha truly had until that moment.  She had concluded that the noise he was making was a dog equivalent of a cat purring.

Inuyasha was in heaven... He was surrounded and drowning in the sweetest scent he'd ever smelled, he was exceptionally cozy and warm, and he felt deft fingers stroking his ears in just the right place.  He pulled whatever was in his arms, the sweet-smelling bundle, tighter into his chest and inhaled deeply.  His face was cushioned by something extremely soft and squishy and he couldn't help but wonder where such a comfy pillow had come from.  He decided he'd have to snatch it when his mom wasn't paying attention.

Kagome blushed ten shades of red when Inuyasha pulled her tighter to his body.  It wasn't only the fact that her body was pressed up firmly against his, it was of the fact that his face was now directly between her breasts!  A chill ran down her spine as he let out a contented sigh.  Kagome had stopped rubbing his ears in embarrassment and was trying to find the easiest way to wake him and avoid the embarrassing situation.

"Umm... Inuyasha... ?" Kagome said quietly as she brushed a few strands of silky, silver hair from his forehead.

"M... sleepn...." Inuyasha mumbled into the soft cleavage, not bothering to open his eyes.  Why did the maids always have to come around when he was sleeping?  Couldn't they come back when he got up?

Kagome let out a vexed noise as she tried to think of a way to wake him up.  It was obvious that talking wasn't going to be enough.  She blew her bangs out of her forehead as she couldn't think of a thing.  That's when an idea hit her!  She gently took her hand from his head and began to rub his exposed side gently, testing to see if he could be awakened with a small tickle.  At first he just groaned as one ear twitched and he pushes her hand away.  A small smile played across Kagome's lips as she found his weakness.

This time around, Kagome carefully lifted his shirt.  She blushed slightly as she caught sight of his chiseled stomach and she tried to force away the blush she knew was staining her cheeks.  With her hand in position, Kagome attacked vigorously, tickling for all she was worth.

"What the hell?!" Inuyasha roared as he picked his head up slightly out of her chest.  "Clean the damn room la-" The shout died on his lips as he saw just who had been tickling him.  He immediately released Kagome and stood up from the bed, losing his balance in his groggy state.  Kagome gasped in surprise and reached out her hand for his to stop him from falling backward.  This, unfortunately, had the opposite effect and Kagome fell forward with him.  She cried out in surprise and braced herself for the floor.  Instead of hitting the floor, Kagome landed on top of Inuyasha, his arms encircling her trim waist to prevent her from hitting the floor.

"You all right?" Inuyasha asked immediately as he cupped her cheeks and turned her head from side to side, searching for any marks.  Kagome moved to get up but her arm couldn't seem to support her weight and she, instead, ended up in a rather compromising position.  Her skirt had gotten pulled up around her waist and she was straddling the shocked hanyou.

"Inu-yasha-kun!" Miroku's sing-song voice broke into the room as the door opened silently.  Sango stood next to him and both had the look of surprise on their faces.  "I suppose we can come back later when you two are done." Miroku said with a sly wink as he slid the door closed behind them.

"It's not what it looks like, ecchi houshi!!" Inuyasha yelled through the door as shook a fist after the young monk.  Face blazing bright red, Inuyasha helped the raven-haired girl to her feet and hastily released her hands.

"S... sorry..." Kagome mumbled through the brilliant blush the covered her whole face.  Even her ears were tinged from embarrassment.

"Let's go get some food." Inuyasha said as he grabbed her hand and started to drag her toward the door to the bedroom.  He pulled her along behind him, enjoying the feel of her soft hands curled around his clawed one.

Kagome was looking everywhere as they walked down the hallways.  The carpet was a neutral gray color as it spread out before them.  Kagome was surprised at the number of doors they passed as they walked and quickly lost her sense of direction.  All along the walls were paintings and the occasional family photo, gracing the walls.  It was all pretty unextraordinary as Kagome looked.  It actually reminded her of the hallways in a hotel except for the 'lived in' feel that clung to the walls.

"Ne Inuyasha?" Kagome asked as she glanced at the photos on the wall.  Inuyasha turned halfway and saw the curious look in Kagome's eye.  "Are you sure you know where you're going?"

"Keh!  What kind of a stupid question is that?" He barked in irritation as he turned his attention back in front of him.  "I lived here most of my life, baka." He said as he reached back and gave her a light noogie with his left hand, the right still dragging her along.

"Kawaii..." Kagome mused as the photos became more frequent and the paintings less.  There were photos of Inuyasha as a child along with another silver-haired boy several years older.

"What are you talking about now?" Inuyasha growled as he turned left down an intersecting corridor.

"You were a really adorable kid." Kagome said with an elated smile.  Kagome noted the twitch of his ears at her pronouncement, but only received a small 'keh' in response.  "Who's the cranky looking kid in the photos with you?"  She had noticed that whenever one of them was in a photo, so was the other, most of the time.  Half the time the older boy would have a triumphant look while Inuyasha would be crying.  Or Inuyasha would have a wide grin on his face while the older would look completely sour!

"That's my half-brother."  Inuyasha grumbled as his ears lay back on his head.  "He's probably around here somewhere." He said as his grip tightened on her hand slightly.

"I get the feeling you don't like him much." Kagome said with an unsure look on her face.

"That's an understatement." Inuyasha said dryly as he hung a right, Kagome picked up her pace to walk next to him, their shoulders bumping together.  "We've hated each other since I can remember.  I'm a hanyou while he's full youkai so he never treated me like a brother." Inuyasha explained as he let out a bitter laugh.  "Funny thing is, he doesn't have a problem with my mother, just me," Kagome looked over at his bitter expression sadly.

"That's so wrong..." Kagome said as she looked down at her feet.  "Your own brother treats you different... how mean..." Inuyasha glanced down at the dark-haired human with a surprised look.  He could smell pity and sadness in her scent like she was able to somehow empathize with how he felt.  Buried under that, though, was a hint of righteous anger.  She was angry that his own blood would treat him differently.

"Family shouldn't single each other out.  People already do that outside of the home." Kagome said slowly, Inuyasha noticed that the angry scent seemed to be growing.  "There's no excuse for it to go on in the home too..."

"Don't worry, Kagome." Inuyasha said trying to lighten up the, now heavy mood.  "He's not so bad since he fell for a human."  Inuyasha caught a surprised scent, followed by a pleased one and a smile graced her soft pink lips.

After several more minutes of walking, the pair was going down a spiral staircase that seemed to be hidden and used mostly by the hired workers in the house.  Kagome stuck close to Inuyasha, sudden huge butterflies rising in her stomach.  It annoyed her that he hadn't told her just WHO his father was.  She felt extremely out of place in this huge house.  Inuyasha glanced back and squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"So there you two are!" An excited voice cried as Inuyasha pushed open a swinging door.  They had just passed through a massive kitchen that looked like it belonged in a very large restaurant.  "Did you two have a nice nap?" Izayoi said suggestively as she winked at her son.  Inuyasha and Kagome pulled apart instantly, heat rising to their faces immediately.

"Geez!  Does everyone in this house spy?!" Inuyasha demanded as he tried to hide his blush.  "It's expected for Miroku to snoop around, but you, mom?!?"  A golden twinkle of laughter left Izayoi's throat as she walked to Kagome's side and lead her to a seat next to her own.

"Inuyasha hasn't brought a girl home in a long time.  Not since-" Izayoi was explaining and was cut off.

"Mom!" Inuyasha yelled as he headed for the chair on the other side of Kagome.  Kagome stifled a giggle as Izayoi winked at her.  Apparently, she felt it was her due as his mother to embarrass him every chance she could.  "Geez... you wonder why I don't being people home..." He grumbled under his breath.

"Well, Miss Kagome." Izayoi said with a smile at the young woman.  "This is our family.  You've already met our son, Shippo."

"Mom, why does Inuyasha get to sit by Kagome?" The little kit whined as he gave his patented puppy dog eyes.  Izayoi giggled and planted a kiss on the kit's forehead.

"She's Inuyasha's friend so he gets to sit by her, Shippo." Izayoi explained, ignoring the smug look on Inuyasha's face.  "Next time you can sit by her."  Inuyasha sputtered an argument at this as the little kit cheered his pleasure.  Kagome couldn't help the laughter that bubbled up and noticed Miroku and Sango laughing as well.

"Anyway, you've already met my husband." Izayoi continued as she motioned to the handsome man at the end of the table.  "Next to him is his assistant, Kagura, and her darling little sister, Kanna." She said, motioning to the dark-haired, red-eyed demon and a child dressed all in white with emotionless black eyes.  "Moving on, this is our eldest son, Sesshoumaru and our darling daughter-in-law, Rin." Izayoi explained as she motioned to the short, dark-haired girl sitting next to a tall, silver-haired man with the same golden eyes as Inuyasha and his father except that they were cold and calculating, while theirs were fiery and unpredictable in both Inuyasha and his father's gaze.

"Then we have Jaken, Sesshoumaru's good friend, and of course you know darling Sango and Miroku." Izayoi finished as she motioned to the remaining people at the table.

"It's wonderful to meet everyone." Kagome said nervously as she nodded around the table to the assembled people.

"It's wonderful to meet you, Miss Kagome!" The girl across the table, Sesshoumaru's wife Rin, piped up with a wide grin on her face.  Kagome noted her expressive, brown eyes and shoulder-length, feathered black hair that flipped out at the bottom.  Where Sesshoumaru, looking as regal as his parents, Rin looked playful and a little bit mischievous.  There was a twinkle in her eyes like she had plans to play practical jokes and tricks on people.  They danced with the joy of loving life.  Sesshoumaru, on the other hand, was stoic and proper.  He radiated an aura of power and influence.  Not one strand of silver hair was out of place, not one spec of lint adorned his crisp, pressed business suit.  Kagome found herself wondering how two polar opposites had ended up together.

The man beside them, Jaken, seemed out of place beside the two.  He was a small youkai, a frog?  Maybe a lizard?  Kagome wasn't sure what type of youkai but he stared up at Sesshoumaru with complete devotion in his eyes.  It looked like he would do anything the tall youkai would ask.  'Geez... He looks more like he's ready to take orders than just a friend...' Kagome thought to herself as she continued to scan the people at the table.

Her eyes fell on the two colleagues from work and she couldn't help but wonder if they were truly sisters.  The elder sister, Kagura was tall with dark hair pulled up into s spiky bun on the back of her head.  There was a pin on the side that had some soft feathers sticking up front it.  She was lightly fanning herself with an old-fashioned fan.  Beside her, Kanna, was the polar opposite.  She had pale skin, snow-white hair with a white flower pinned on either side.  Even her dress was pure white, hanging at her side was an elegant, round mirror.  In contrast to all of the white, the girl's eyes were the color of pitch and devoid of any emotion.  Inu no Taisho tried to engage the young girl in conversation but stopped his attempts after a few one-word answers.

"So what are you studying, Miss Kagome?" Izayoi asked as she poured some water from a sweating pitcher sitting in front of them.

"Please just Kagome, Takahashi-san." Kagome said respectfully as she took a sip of water.  This was greeted by the twinkling laughter of Izayoi.  Even her laughter sounded regal and brought an embarrassed blush to Kagome's cheeks.

"Wonderful!  Please call me Izayoi or Izayoi-mama." She said with a warm smile.  Kagome returned the smile with one of her own and nodded her ascent.

"I'm a graphic designer." Kagome explained in answer to Inu no Taisho's earlier question.  "I'm working on a business degree too so I can open my own design firm."  (AN: Point of reference, I'm a Visual Developer by profession so I know something about having a design background.  This isn't me role playing, I just know a little something about it).  "Very good!" Inu no Taisho said with a wide grin.  "You're self-sufficient!  You didn't strike me as a person who would accept a role as someone's underling!  Dream big, Kagome."  Kagome nodded and thanked him for his words.

"Unlike some people around here," Inu no Taisho continued as he shot a look at Inuyasha and Miroku.  "You two have the education, now it's time to use it." He finishes sternly.  Inuyasha rolled his eyes and leaned back in his chair.

"Geez, are you done nagging yet?" Inuyasha grumbled as he crossed his arms over his chest and looked moodily around the room.

"Ne Kagome!" The voice of Shippo broke through the tense atmosphere, sparking new conversations to start all across the table.

"Yes, Shippo-chan?" Kagome asked as she smiled at the young kitsune.

"Can you push me on the swings after dinner?"  Kagome giggled and nodded.

"Of course, Shippo-chan." She answered with a tender smile.

"Yatta!" Shippo cried in delight as he jumped into the air on his chair.  Kagome couldn't help but giggle at his elated reaction.  'He's so adorable!' Kagome's inner voice squealed as she listened to him talk excitedly about going down the slide and across the monkey bars.

"You shouldn't encourage the shrimp." Inuyasha grumbled for Kagome's ears alone.  If Kagome didn't know better, she would have thought Inuyasha was pouting or sulking.  She couldn't help but smile at the tall hanyou.

"Shippo is so sweet.  You should spend more time with your brother." Kagome said as her eyes narrowed slightly on Inuyasha.

"Brother?" Inuyasha mused to himself as if he'd never thought of the possibility.  "I suppose he is.  Mom and dad adopted him about a year ago." Inuyasha explained with his hands behind his head and a lazy, pouty expression on his face.  "I found him wandering around the park outside of the campus.  Turns out he was an orphan so they adopted him."  Kagome felt a smile grace her lips as she looked over at his parents.

"Your family is wonderful." Kagome said as a sad smile graced her lips.  Inuyasha sat up immediately as he saw her eyes.  He really hated when she wore that lost, lonely look.  "You're really lucky, Inuyasha."

"So Kagome," Came a happy voice from across the table.  "Where did you and Inuyasha meet?"  Kagome's chocolate brown eyes met with a pair of mischievous brown eyes as she looked across at Rin.  Sesshoumaru appeared to be sleeping or something.  His arms were crossed over his chest, his face was down, and his eyes were closed.

"Umm..." Kagome faltered, not really sure how she should answer.

"I met her out by the university." Inuyasha said as he reached under the table and squeezed Kagome's hand reassuringly.

"She was waitressing at a local diner," Miroku picked up the story, remembering that Sango said she worked as a waitress.

"Then she got sick and ended up at the hospital I'm doing my residency at." Sango finished as she took a sip of water from her glass.  Kagome smiled gratefully in Miroku and Sango's direction and gave Inuyasha's hand a small squeeze to express her gratitude.

"Kawaii!" Rin squealed, startling Kagome and snapping her and Inuyasha's private gaze apart.  "That's so sweet!  Inuyasha nursed you back to health!  That's so romantic!"  Kagome blushed and sent an exasperated look in Rin's direction.  'If I were an anime character, I'd have a sweatdrop on my face.' Kagome thought to herself.  Inuyasha had an incredulous look on his face at the tiny woman sitting beside his brother.

"The first course is ready, ma'am." A young woman wearing black pants and a white blouse said quietly to Izayoi.  She had auburn hair done up in a bun and was shooting jealous looks toward Kagome, who seemed completely oblivious to the obvious envy the girl displayed.

"You didn't cook this week, Izayoi-mama?" Sango asked in surprise as workers came out to serve a light soup.  They placed bowls of fresh, steaming bread with spreading butter and every variety of jelly imaginable.

"Of course I cooked." Izayoi said with a small wink.  "I only had time to cook the main course with Shippo's soccer game this morning."  Sango nodded in understanding and helped herself to the bread, dunking it delicately in her bowl of soup.

Kagome's eyes widened in delight at her first bite of the soup.  It was very light, mostly just broth with some noodles and vegetables, but it was seasoned by a master.  The soup was spiced to perfection and made her taste buds dance for joy.  Kagome was a decent cook, but she didn't know how they had mixed the spices to get this amount of flavor.  Kagome savored every bite and then helped herself to some of the steaming bread in front of her.

"How is the soup?" Izayoi asked Kagome with a smile as she dabbed at her lips and laid her napkin back across her lap.

"It was amazing." Kagome breathed with a smile as she set her spoon down on the plate beneath her bowl.  Izayoi smiled in pride and took a sip from a wine glass in front of her.

"Would you like some wine, Miss Kagome?" A young man with a shy look in his eyes asked as he held a bottle so Kagome could see the label.  Of course, Kagome didn't know much about wine since she rarely touched alcohol.

"I suppose one glass couldn't hurt." Kagome said as she offered the young man a small smile while he poured into the glass before her.

Kagome really enjoyed the rest of the evening, the food was brilliant, the company was pleasant, and the wine went down like candy...  Izayoi was every bit as good as the chef they employed and in many ways actually better.  As it turned out, Izayoi had been a gourmet chef at her own Five Star restaurant when she met Inu no Taisho for the first time.  He had gone to the restaurant with his mother and enjoyed the meal so much, he had asked to personally thank the chef who had prepared it.  He claimed that it was love at first sight.  He became smitten and would make any excuse he could to visit the restaurant she owned and ran.  Kagome smiled at the story, feeling it touch something deep inside of her.  'What a sweet story...' Kagome thought to herself as she finished her glass of wine.  It was only her second... she thought?  'Why do I feel so funny?' Kagome wondered to herself as she put her hands on the table to steady herself.

"We're taking off, Izayoi-mama!" Miroku's happy voice called as he pulled a set of jangling keys from his pocket and stood up.  Kagome was vaguely aware of his wobble when Izayoi rose from the table.

"I don't think so tonight, Miroku." Izayoi said with a smile and a small laugh.  "You've had too much to drink." She gently took the keys from his hand and handed them to one of her employees to put in a safe place until he sobered up.

"I guess that bottle was stronger than any of us knew!" Inu no Taisho barked a laugh as he finished his glass.  His eyes were distinctly glazed over.

She glanced around the table and saw that the only ones unaffected were Sesshoumaru and Kanna!  And herself, of course.  That is... until she rose to her feet and felt her balance leave her all-together.  She watched in horror as the floor rushed up to meet her and squeezed her eyes closed as she braced for the impact.  It didn't come... she did feel a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist and peeked her eye open to glance at her rescuer.  Inuyasha stood behind her unsteadily with his arms stretched out in front.  His chair had toppled over backward at his sudden move and she could see his normal arrogant smirk firmly in place.  Without warning, Inuyasha's battle with gravity ended as he fell backward onto his rear, pulling Kagome back into his chest.

"Baka..." He muttered as she collided with his chest.  "After all that wine you drank, you should have known better." Inuyasha said, amused smirk still in place.

"All that wine?" Kagome asked, perplexed.  "I only had two glasses." She mumbled.  She heard a bark of Inuyasha's laughter at the seriousness in her face when she said that.

"Just because you didn't finish the whole glass before it was refilled, doesn't mean you only had two glasses!" Inuyasha barked as amused laughter filled the room.  She felt her face heating as she thought back to the meal.  How many times had the shy-eyed young man smiled at her during dinner.

"Don't worry, Kagome-chan." Sango said through her drunken mirth.  "We're all in the same boat!" As she said this, an arm reached up and knocked her off-balance.  She tumbled to the floor in a laughing fit as Miroku pulled her into his lap and rubbed his face against hers like a cat would.  She didn't protest and even scratched him behind the ear like you would a cat through her happy giggles.

This was too much for Kagome and Inuyasha and they both broke out into amused laughter.  Izayoi, Inu no Taisho, and Kagura were in no better condition, though they all at least had their seats.  Rin had been chattering away drunkenly the whole time up to an annoyed-looking Sesshoumaru.

"Right Fluffy?  Right Fluff?  Are you listening, Fluffy?" Rin asked as she pouted cutely up at her much taller husband.

"I thought we agreed you wouldn't call me that in public, Rin." Sesshoumaru said in a low baritone.  The deep rumble of his voice had pulled all attention to the young couple and another round of laughter erupted.  Miroku fell backward with his amusement and yanked Sango down with him.  She was laughing too hard to even protest.  Inuyasha wiped a tear of mirth from Kagome's eye as she shook with laughter, still sitting in his lap with his arms draped lazily around her waist.

- l - l - l -

It was decided pretty quickly that no one be leaving for the night except for Rin and Sesshoumaru with his little imp friend, Jaken.  Everyone else was too drunk to drive anywhere.  That's how Kagome ended up in the backyard with a slightly staggering Inuyasha.  Kagome had been extremely hot and wanted to go out into the night air.  She had, unfortunately been too intoxicated to push Shippo on the swing but promised to do so the following Sunday.  He was having fun beating Miroku at video games so he didn't seem to mind.

The back yard was absolutely breathtaking in the light of the nearly full moon that was waning.  Most of the flower beds were perfectly sculpted with not a weed in sight.  Their sweet scent filled the air as Inuyasha lightly gripped her arm to prevent her from repeating what had happened earlier after dinner.  She noted the huge lilac bushes ahead that stood like a doorway to a secret place and walked toward them.  She leaned down and breathed in the sweet scent of lilacs, letting her mind wander.  They had lilac bushes all over her grandfather's shrine and it brought a tear to her eye as she reminisced.

"Come on, Kagome." Inuyasha said quietly as he pulled her along between the lilac bushes.  "I think you'll like this." He had noticed how happy the plants and flowers seemed to make her.  She had a child-like innocence that drew him to her but he would see a pain deep in her eyes that was anything but childish.  He was amazed at how much the perfect blossoms seemed to give her as they walked, his button-up shirt was draped across her shoulders to keep the chill off.

He led her slowly along a corridor of lilac bushes that slowly transitioned to large, beautiful sakura trees.  Her heard her intact of breath as she reached out a hand and caught a petal that fluttered down from the tree, a soft smile on her face.  His breath caught in his throat as her skin seemed to glitter and glow from the only light source, the moon.  The dappled shadows from the trees covered her face, then revealed it to the soft moonlight as they walked to their destination.  He could see blue highlights light up in her ebony hair and longed to run his fingers through the silky tresses.

"This is my mom's special garden." Inuyasha explained as he managed to regain his composure.  "None of the gardeners are allowed in here.  I helped her plant a lot of it when I was a kid."

When the passed through an ivy-covered gate, Kagome's breath caught in her throat.  Spread out before her was a traditional Japanese garden complete with a koi pond with a tall waterfall flowing into it.  Kagome's breath caught again as the two walked slowly around this magical garden.  It didn't have the perfectly tended look to all of the other gardens had, and seemed more beautiful and natural for its wild look.  Everything seemed to fit together perfectly and complement each other.

She didn't touch any of the blossoms, not wanting to wilt their soft petals.  She did lean down and breathe in their sweet aroma, though.  The brightly colored blossoms were bathed in the eerie glow of the moon, giving the garden an ethereal feel.  Kagome's head was still swimming with the alcohol as she sat in the grass by the koi pond and trailed her fingers in the cold water.  It felt like a dream, the beautiful garden under the moon with Inuyasha.  His hair seemed to glitter in the bright moonlight and his eyes reflected the light, making him seem a phantom come to sweep her off her feet and rain kisses on her throat like in all the romance novels.

Inuyasha watched her with interest as she walked around the garden alone, breathing in the sweet scents.  For him, though, her scent was the only one he had an interest in.  Her hair kept glinting a deep, royal blue in the pale moonlight and he caught flashes of her smile as it filtered through the multitude of sakura trees that filled the garden.  Only family was allowed in here, it was a special place that he had never taken anyone before.  Not even the gardeners were allowed in to mow the grass.  Instead, Inuyasha came out every time it was needed.

He watched as she sat beside the koi pond, trailing her fingers in the sparkling water.  He listened to the silver twinkle of laughter that left her throat as one of the koi swam up and nibbled her finger curiously.

He watched her sigh in content before he walked toward her and sat on the grass beside her.  He casually placed his hand over hers, making it look like the physical contact was completely accidental.  Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe just the beauty of the garden at night, but Inuyasha felt his body slowly leaning toward the beautiful human in front of him.  The one who didn't seem to care if you were human, youkai, or hanyou.  She was so open and accepting of everything around her, he could fully relax when she was around.  That was something he had never really done before, not even with Sango or Miroku.

Kagome's face was looking up at the moon, the soft light bathing her face in a gentle glow.  'It's like a movie...' Kagome silently mused.  She closed her eyes and breathed in a deep breath of the sweet air and when she opened them, they locked with glow gold.  Inuyasha's face was mere inches from hers but for once, she didn't feel nervous.  It was a beautiful, perfect night.  She reached her other hand up and cupped his cheek, caressing it softly.  Inuyasha's eyes drifted closed as he turned his head and planted a gentle kiss on her palm.  Before Kagome could regain her composure, he was closing the distance between them, his eyes drifting shut.  She could feel her eyes closing as if on their own as she leaned into him.  His hand gentle grippes her chin as the other ran through her inky tresses as his lips brushed lightly against hers.

An electric shock went off at the gentle touch and Kagome felt herself leaning against his chest as she pressed her lips against his, feeling their softness against her own.  She felt him trace her bottom lip with his tongue and opened her mouth to give him access to the interior.  He gladly accepted the offer and slid his tongue against hers.  She felt heat moving from her stomach, which had massive butteries attacking, and spread outward in concentric circles.  She no longer felt the heat as she felt herself responding to the gentle, passionate kiss.  She ran her tongue along his, savoring the roughness and traced his teeth, particularly his over-large canines.

Inuyasha's heart pounded against his chest in excitement as the beauty before him allowed him entrance to the sweet-tasting depths of her mouth.  He hadn't realized how badly he wanted to kiss her until she had been bathed in the mystical moonlight in the family garden. He savored in the taste of her mouth and the feel of her tongue against his. He rejoiced in the fact that she wasn't turned off by his fangs and actually paid special attention to them, running her tongue along the sharp points. Other women were intimidated, even scared because of the fangs and were reluctant to touch them.

Inuyasha's heart pounded against his chest in excitement as the beauty before him allowed him entrance to the sweet-tasting depths of her mouth.  He hadn't realized how badly he wanted to kiss her until she had been bathed in the mystical moonlight in the family garden.

He removed his hand from her chin and wrapped in around her, gently gathering her into his lap without breaking the kiss.  He ran his hands up and down her sides and down over her hips as he continued to explore her mouth.  His heart beat madly in his chest and his inner demon struggled to take the next step up from kissing.  Inuyasha was in control, though.  He was able to hold his demon in check, only just, though.

Both individuals pulled back reluctantly as the need for air grew too great.  Inuyasha immediately crushed Kagome to his chest and breathed in the sweet scent of her hair, committing it to memory.  She lay panting in his lap, her arms wrapped around his waist and trailing up his back where she stroked the silver strands.  She sighed and buried her face into his shirt, feeling completely relaxed.  After several minutes of holding her, Inuyasha heard her breathing deepen and take on the rhythmic quality that indicated she was sleeping.  He smiled to himself and kissed the top of her head, not ready to leave this special place just yet.

But like every dream has to end, this one did as well.  As Inuyasha felt fatigue gripping his body, he rose carefully, positioning Kagome so he could carry her bridal-style back into the huge mansion.  It took several minutes for Inuyasha to get back into the house, but instead of heading for one of the guest rooms, he headed for his own room.  Just this one night, he would dream beside the onyx-haired goddess who was surely stealing his heart.  He felt fire in his belly at the thought of her boyfriend and made a silent vow that the bastard would pay for every tear she shed.  He would suffer for every mark he placed on her silky skin.  He would pay dearly for thinking he could go around manipulating the woman sleeping peacefully in his arms.  An evil smirk crossed his lips at this ultimatum in his mind.  He carefully turned the knob of the door and entered his room, letting it swing quietly shut behind him.

From around the corner peeked a face framed by silky black hair, followed by another with short, feathered hair.

"Yes..." Izayoi said as she pumped her fist in the air.  "I'll have grandkids yet!"  Rin giggled at Izayoi's elation and couldn't help but cheer as well.

"Well I have some good news for you, Izayoi-mama." Rin said with a slight blush.  Izayoi's face lit up as she saw where this was going.

"No way!" She squealed as she wrapped her arms around the tiny, young woman.  "Wait!  What were you doing drinking wine tonight?!" She demanded as elation turned to horror and shock.

"Yep!" Rin continued as if Izayoi hadn't said anything.  "You know have a grand-kitty!  Fluffy and I picked her out at the pet shop today!" At this pronouncement, Izayoi crashed to the floor, one leg sticking up as it twitched slightly.

- l - l - l -

Kagome had a pounding headache... the second she woke up she cursed herself for being so distracted that she didn't notice the young man refilling her cup.  She had just been having so much fun!  Inuyasha had an AMAZING family.  While he was obviously embarrassed by their antics, she could see the affection shared amongst them all.  She truly missed that type of interaction... it had been years since she had even heard from her family.

While she was in shock that she woke up next to Inuyasha, she felt a sense of 'rightness' she had never experienced before.  He had given her a ride into town on his bike, a somber, and hung over, Sango and Miroku following in the SUV.  She had really wanted to spend some more time with her new friends, but school was calling to her and all of the notes she would inevitably miss.  So with a happy smile and a promise to call them later, Kagome shrugged into the large yellow backpack with all of her new books and headed into the building where she had her first class, feeling happier than she had in a very long time.  She wanted to see them again and had one thing to sustain her until she saw Inuyasha again... all of that alcohol had given her a wonderful dream of kissing Inuyasha in a beautiful, secret garden...

- l - l - l -

Kagome arrived at the apartment she shared with her boyfriend at the normal time after her classes and felt her heart jump into her throat.  She stood outside the door for several moments, swallowing the nervousness and taking several deep, calming breaths.  'Here we go...' Kagome thought grimly as she opened the door of the apartment and went inside.  She let out a vexed sigh at the bags of trash that sat by the back door and the sink full of dirty dishes, both emitting a foul smell that mingled and nearly gagged her.  She set her book bag in the kitchen and kicked her shoes off before heading into the living room.

All of the lights were off and the curtains were closed, only letting the light from the kitchen spill in.

"Where were you?" Naraku's deep voice asked from the shadows.  "The nurse said they released you yesterday."  Kagome swallowed the lump in her throat that had risen again and willed herself to keep breathing.

"I was still mad at you so I stayed with a friend." Kagome said simply as she took another step into the room.  Kagome watched the shadows shift as Naraku's tall form rose from the couch.  He walked toward her and stroked her cheek softly, his eyes glowing blood red in the dim light.

"I missed you, koibito." Naraku said as he leaned down and captured Kagome's lips in a rough, forceful kiss.  Kagome was surprised at the harshness of the kiss and made a move to push the tall, hanyou away.

He bit down on her bottom lip and growled low in his throat.  Kagome felt tears prick her eyes from the pain of the bite.  She didn't think he had broken the skin, but he grabbed her wrist painfully when she raised her hand to run along her lip.

"Don't you ever pull away from me, koibito." Naraku said coldly as her twisted her arm painfully behind her back.

"You're hurting me!" Kagome cried but was silenced with another demanding kiss.  He took advantage of her words and jammed his tongue roughly into her mouth, terrorizing the inner depths with his demon strength and teeth.  She cried against his mouth, trying to pull away as painful tears trailed down her cheeks.

"So how did he fuck you, koibito?" Naraku asked as he pulled away, leaving her lips bruised and bleeding from the assault.  "Did you're little mutt fuck you doggy-style like his kind enjoy?" He demanded as he threw Kagome to the floor on her stomach.  "Did you scream his name, you little whore?!" He demanded angrily as he began ripping her clothes off.

"Stop Naraku!" She cried as she tried to crawl out from under him.  His hands didn't care if they grabbed cloth or flesh and her back was quickly covered in long scratches and huge red marks.

"I bet he enjoyed your tight little pussy, didn't he?" Naraku asked as his eyes flashed red.

"Please stop!" Kagome cried, but he was too strong for her as he pinned her to the ground.  He forced her legs open, her cries of pain deaf to his ears.  He grabbed her by the hair and pulled back, causing a scream to rip from her throat.

"That's what I like to hear, my little slut..." Naraku breathed into her ear as his angry tone dropped to a low, dangerous one.  Kagome cried silently, she knew what that tone meant... now that the initial rage was gone, this was when he would punish her...

With one painful yank, Naraku ripped her panties off and flung them to the side.  He pulled on her hair again, arcing her neck back and forcing her to hold herself up with her arms.  Before Kagome could protest, he plunged his erect cock into her pussy until he was painfully deep inside of her.  Kagome screamed and fought the unwanted intrusion into her private region.  Never had her sweet Naraku forced her to do anything like this against her will.  He pulled almost all the out and slammed into her again, causing another scream to rip from her throat.

"No!  Stop!" She cried as he continued to slam his dick into her, his balls slapping against her ass.  "I don't... want this!" She cried as he never let up.

"Scream my name bitch." He snarled into her ear as he plunged into her again.  Kagome only sobbed, feeling the unimaginable pain spread outward from the violation.  When Kagome refused to scream his name, he growled low in his throat and pulled out of her pussy and before she knew what was happening, a burning pain shot up her back and ran down to her toes.  She screamed louder than she had in her life as Naraku emptied his seed into her tight ass.  They had never done it like that before so the pain was unimaginable.

Naraku released her hair and she immediately dropped her face into the carpet, sobbing out her pain and terror.  She heard the floorboards creak as he stood but couldn't even raise her head.  She cried out as his hand tangled into her dark hair and he lifted her off the floor again and looked her straight in the eye.

"If you ever see him again, I'll kill him..." Naraku said in a near-whisper before he released her hair and let he fall to the floor in a sobbing pile.

::FIN::

June 3, 2011

Okay, there's a solid 14 page chapter for you! Chapters are at LEAST 10 pages before I post most of the time unless I get to a good stopping point. I knew where I wanted this to end, though that's why it's a bit longer (to your advantage ~.^). Please review, I only got 4 last time I updated, kind of disappointed me. I'm not below bribery either ~.^ and plugs to your friends are always good too!! I'll plug you in return, I promise!!